As former Board Chair David Frantz tells the story, he encountered ACT as many others do: through an introduction to some incredible people. In 2011, David and his wife Diann were passionate about early childhood education and excited to make a difference in their community. The Frantz’s were making plans to start a family foundation when a friend stepped in.
David explains that his friend steered him in a different direction. “He told me that I ought to look into starting a donor-advised fund. I had no idea what it was.” Fortunately, David then met John Porter, and the relationship quickly spun into a partnership. “ACT is the home for philanthropy in Alexandria,” David says. “They don’t just administer your donor-advised fund, they offer assistance, information, and resources.”
Education was a regular part of the dinner table conversation at the Frantz house – two of their three children are teachers. Through their connection with ACT, David and Diann began to identify other nonprofits they wanted to support, including Move2Learn, the Campagna Center, and the Hopkins House.
One organization in particular captured David’s attention. The Child and Family Network Centers (CFNC) operates eight tuition-free preschool classrooms in Alexandria for low-income children. Through ACT, David quickly found himself aligned with the mission, eventually joining the board and even becoming president-elect for 2025.
David has enjoyed a 50+ year career practicing law, evident in his focus, attention to detail, and practicality. He recalls that when ACT was first established, nonprofits were initially uneasy. “They wondered, ‘Are we going to be cannibalizing each other?’” David recalls. He distinctly remembers how Brandi Yee, ACT’s Chief Program Officer, played a crucial role in building trust, emphasizing that ACT’s sole aim was to improve outcomes for all Alexandria nonprofits.
David highlights how ACT took the lead in helping nonprofits navigate the challenges posed by COVID, rallying support to ensure everyone in the city could succeed. During the crisis, he served on a committee dedicated to assisting city workers in applying for aid to supplement lost income. This is just one of the many ways the connections fostered by ACT benefit everyone involved, showcasing their commitment to positive outcomes even in difficult times.
David says the personal benefits have been tremendous. “It’s been very rewarding for Diann and me to work with so many amazing people from the beginning,” he says. “At our age, to meet people like Gene Steuerle and his family really energizes you, hopefully, to be more engaged and really help you make a difference in your community.”